The Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves have reached a pivotal point, with the Mavericks currently leading 3-0. In Game 3, both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving scored 33 points each to help secure another victory for their team.
The fourth quarters of this series have been particularly decisive for the Mavericks. They have outscored the Timberwolves in this period, with Doncic and Irving leading the charge. For instance, in Game 3 alone, Doncic hit a shot in the lane for a four-point lead while Irving sent the crowd into a frenzy on a falling-down jumper.
The Timberwolves have struggled to keep up with the Mavericks' offensive prowess. Anthony Edwards, who had 26 points for Minnesota, managed only four in the fourth quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns missed all eight of his 3-point attempts in Game 3.
Despite their strong performance, the Mavericks have faced adversity during this series. In Game 3, Dereck Lively II sustained a sprained neck after an accidental shot to the back of his head from Karl-Anthony Towns. However, the team managed to overcome this setback and secure another win.
The Mavericks' success in these playoffs has come as a surprise to many, especially given Kyrie Irving's past controversies and doubts about his ability to lead a team. However, he has proven his doubters wrong with his strong performances on the court and leadership skills off it. Jason Kidd, the Mavericks' head coach, praised Irving for his maturity and commitment to the team.
The Western Conference Finals are set to continue with Game 4 on May 30. The Timberwolves will need to find a way to close out games and match the Mavericks' offensive output if they hope to make a comeback in this series.